The best spots in the UK for leaf peeping - according to you

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Autumn leaves at the Bodnant Garden Conwy, WalesCredit:
AP

3 October 2016 • 12:20pm

This week's winning entry

Hockney’s inspiration

After a steep climb, the car – freed from the constraints of the uphill struggle – sweeps around the bend and is welcomed into the glorious autumnal woodland of this treasured spot in the Yorkshire Wolds. On both sides the trees, gracefully accepting the end of a warm September, are resplendent with leaves in glowing bronzes, burnished reds and golden yellows.

The shade of each tree alternates, as if they had proudly planned such an impressive display to please anyone choosing to pass this way.

Tucked away in the heart of the Wolds, the village of Warter is known to many as a place that inspired David Hockney. This is a drive that offers glistening snowscapes in winter, carpets of bluebells in spring and the distinctive smell of wild garlic in summer.

But at this time of year, it is unsurpassed in its ability to put on a show that is, quite simply, Autumn in England.

More feedback from readers

Falling leaves and the last working windmill in Wales

While there are many beautiful locations in which to see the autumn leaves change their hues like a chameleon, I love Coed Llynnon, the forest on Anglesey through which you go to reach Melin Llynnon, the last working windmill in Wales. It’s a very beautiful and special setting.

Crisp under foot in the dramatic Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is an outdoor playground all year round but the colours in autumn take it to another level. Feel the crisp leaves crunch under foot while enjoying a stroll along the forest’s sculpture trail. Marvel at the ever-changing scenery as you take on one of the mountain bike trails followed by a well-earned mug of tea at the visitor centre cafe.

If this sounds a bit too energetic, how about a trip down the River Wye by canoe? This must surely be the most peaceful way to explore any river – and the forest setting just makes it all the more dramatic.

The stunning natural colours, combined with sights such as Yat Rock and Goodrich Castle, will have you taking selfies at every bend in the river – and there are many.

Jonathan Doel, Wiltshire

Autumn colour in the Wye Valley, seen from Symonds Yat RockCredit:
Alamy

All quiet at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales

Nestled in nature’s bosom and basking in the autumn glory spread out beneath my feet, I marvel at the rich tapestry of golden and russet hues stretching as far as the eye can see. Watching the gliders swoop and soar above my head, I wish I could share their bird’s-eye view of the changing season far below.

A blue lake shimmers in the distance but very few people visit as it isn’t visible from the road. Walkers pass and courteously nod to fellow travellers but very little disturbs the tranquillity. Where am I? Atop Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire, the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.

Golden days along the banks of Old Father Thames

Walk along the Thames Path from Christchurch Meadows in Reading to Sonning and back. The trees along the way are beautiful and come in so many shades of green/gold/brown. There are seats along the way where you can rest and admire nature in all its glory. Stop at Sonning Lock – beautifully kept with pots and baskets of flowers. There is a tea shop there, too. Continue on to Sonning village and you can visit the church and gardens. Have lunch in George Clooney’s local, The Bull.

Noreen Whitaker, Berkshire

Mature woodland and a stiff hike in Perthshire

The Birks of Aberfeldy in Perthshire, Scotland, showcases the region’s autumn colours in spectacular style. This two-mile circular walk, which is made up of mature woodland, takes around an hour to complete. It is a fairly stiff hike with a 400ft ascent which passes steep drops, but there are sufficient handrails and benches to assist. There are information boards and waymarks along the way, too. While the Falls of Moness are spectacular, the trees, in my opinion, are the main attraction. They really are quite stunning and well worth visiting.

Audrey Clark, Dundee

My favourite time of year in the Brecon Beacons

I’m lucky enough to live right on the doorstep of the most beautiful place in Britain to see autumnal foliage. The Brecon Beacons offers a picturesque spectacle during every season, but autumn is my favourite. Taking a walk up Pen y Fan and looking out over the beautiful countryside – with the astonishing oranges, reds and browns splattered over it – make the walk up so worth while. In my view, nothing can beat it.

Brecon Beacons National ParkCredit:
AP

Cerys John, Powys

Time for reflection at Dovestone Reservoir

My favourite place to see autumn foliage has to be Dovestone Reservoir, near Oldham, Greater Manchester. It’s a fantastic walk all year round, but autumn is a truly spectacular time to see it, with the vibrant hues of autumn gold and rust-coloured trees, bushes and plants reflected in the water. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.

Caroline James, Lancashire

Ageing oaks and an echo of Lady Jane Grey

Bradgate Park, in Leicestershire, features rolling land with streams flowing through it and deer abounding in great numbers, making it the ideal spot for enjoying autumn’s changing scenery. The ruins of the former residence of Lady Jane Grey provide a quiet, dignified but haunting reminder of crueller times gone by, while the ageing oaks bent with age shed their leaves as the cygnets change from baby grey to majestic white. Perfect.

Stepping stones to wonder in Wuthering Heights county

The best place to see autumn foliage is Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, and walking up the valley from there to Hardcastle Crags is a pleasurable way to do so. It is National Trust land and you can walk along the river in the valley bottom and cross via stepping stones or the bridge at Gibson Mill. Alternatively, take one of the paths higher up the valley side with the church at Heptonstall’s tower peering over the edge.

It’s worth a detour to see the graveyard surrounding the ruined old church where you walk on the slabs and can see Sylvia Plath’s grave in the current churchyard. The best sight is of the trees awash with gold, red, orange, brown and green filling the valley before you finally emerge at the crags and the moors beyond.

The Yorkshire DalesCredit:
AP

Top Withens, the farmhouse that inspired Wuthering Heights, is further on and makes a bleak contrast to the riot of colour in the woods.

Chris Allen, Buckinghamshire

A palate of rich hues beside the Queen’s Scottish castle

My favourite spot in Britain and indeed the world for an autumn spectacle is the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Scotland. I have travelled extensively in my later years and no place has ever left me in awe of the cornucopia of colours like Balmoral.

I was lucky enough to go on a painting holiday for five days in this magical place. You can sit by the rushing River Dee among the trees and see red squirrels and red spotted mushrooms straight out of a fairy tale. The amber, red and orange leaves form a quilt of colour over the entire estate with the famous castle as a dramatic backdrop. What could be more magical?